Method and apparatus for vehicle service system with imaging components

ABSTRACT

An improved vehicle wheel service system configured with one or more imaging sensor arrays to accurately measure distances, dimensions, and characteristics of features associated with a vehicle wheel assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is related to, and claims priority from,U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/448,679 filed on Feb.20, 2003.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

[0002] Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention related generally to automotive serviceequipment adapted for the servicing of vehicles and vehicle components,such as vehicle wheel alignment systems, vehicle wheel balancingsystems, vehicle tire changing systems, and vehicle brake testingsystems, and specifically to automotive service equipment utilizingimaging technology to accurately measure distances, dimensions, andcharacteristics when servicing vehicles or vehicle components.

[0004] Conventional optical imaging technology utilizes an image sensoror camera to acquire a two-dimensional image of a target object. Thetwo-dimensional image is typically composed of an array of image pixels,with each pixel having a value associated therewith corresponding tooptical energy received at a discrete location on the image sensor orcamera. Processing of the resulting two-dimensional image may beutilized to acquire accurate measurements of a target object in twodimensions, i.e. along the X-axis and Y-axis, but typically providesonly limited information associated with a third dimension, i.e. alongthe Z- or distance axis.

[0005] Recent advances in three-dimensional imaging technology enabledistance measurements along the Z-axis to be acquired for each pixelreceived in a two-dimensional image. For example, this technology isdemonstrated by enabling virtual keyboard layouts to be projected ontoany flat surface, as shown in FIG. 1. The keyboard pattern is optimizedfor usability, featuring wide key spacing to improve typing accuracy,shortcut keys for popular applications, and adjustable brightnesslevels. The system includes a three-dimensional imaging sensor disposedbehind a suitable lens which is configured to detect light projectedfrom an infrared light source reflecting off a user's fingers as virtualkeys are pressed. Associated software objects for controlling andutilizing data acquired by the three-dimensional imaging sensor isavailable for a wide variety of conventional personal computer and PDAoperating systems. Data acquired by the three-dimensional imaging sensoris communicated to a host computer in a conventional manner, such as viaeither an RS-232 communications port or a USB interface.

[0006] Three-dimensional imaging technology provides the ability toaccurately measure distances along a Z axis between the sensor and atarget object, as well as provide conventional two-dimensional X and Ycoordinates for features of a target object. Currently, sensorsutilizing three-dimensional imaging technology locate objects inthree-dimensional space at a rate of up to, or exceeding, 30 frames perseconds (fps). The three-dimensional imaging sensors require opticalenergy of a known wavelength to be reflected off the target objectsundergoing three-dimensional imaging. All of the image processing toidentify each pixel composing an image in an X, Y, and Z coordinatesystem is done in a logic circuit associated with the sensor element.

[0007]FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 illustrate the distance of a target object froma camera or sensor which is being measured using Time Of Flight (TOF)three dimensional imaging. Optical energy is directed towards the targetobject, and is correspondingly reflected from the target object back tothe camera or sensor along pathways denoted t1, t2, and t3. In FIG. 3,point Z1 on the target object is closer than points Z2 or Z3 and the TOFfor optical energy traveling along the pathway t1 is shorter than theTOF for optical energy traveling along the pathways t2 and t3.Additional information which can be accurately acquired from the cameraor sensor utilizing an array of sensing elements includes placement ofthe target object along the X and Y axis of a three-dimensionalcoordinate system.

[0008] Alternative methods of determining dimensions of an object in animage are known in addition to the TOF three-dimensional imagingtechnology described above. For example, it is known to examineluminosity data from the reflection of optical energy off the targetobject. Pixels composing a resulting two-dimensional image which aredarker are presumed to be further away than lighter pixels.

[0009] Structured light may be utilized to acquire distance measurementsto a target object. A planar light beam may be directed towards thetarget object along a highly accurate and known angle. The lightreceived from the associated reflections off the target can be used inconjunction with the known angle to determine a distance from receiverto target by using trigonometry. This method has been shown in vehicleservice system applications in U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,918 to Downing et al.for “Light Scanning System For Measurement of Orientation and PhysicalFeatures Of A Workpiece.”

[0010] Acoustical measurement is commonly used in many applicationstoday. The use of acoustical measurement in combination with a vehiclewheel balancing system is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,189,912 toQuinlan et al. for “Ultrasonic Wheel Measuring Apparatus and WheelBalancer Incorporating Same.”

[0011] Yet another method to determine x, y, z dimensions from objectsin an image is to use a technique like that used in machine visionvehicle wheel alignment sensors. Machine vision vehicle wheel alignmentsensors are configured with a predetermined optical target containingseveral points in known locations which is manufactured with anextremely high degree of accuracy. An image of the target inthree-dimensional space is acquired by a camera system. A mathematicalduplicate of the target is then constructed to correspond to theacquired image, by solving spatial positioning equations have sixunknown variables. These variables include displacement within an X, Y,and Z coordinate system, and the yaw, pitch, and roll of the targetwithin the coordinate system. Because the relationship between points onthe target surfaces are known to a high degree of accuracy, themathematical duplication of the target identifies the position andorientation of the target in three dimensional space relative to theobserving camera.

[0012] It is further known to utilize two or more imaging sensors toacquire stereoscopic images of a target object from which positional anddimensional information may be acquired. However, the stereoscopicapproach is complicated because multiple imaging sensors or cameras areused to gather distance information instead of one imaging sensor. In astereoscopic system, each imaging sensor or camera consists of animaging element, a means to control the imaging element, and a means tocommunicate acquired images from the imaging element to a processingmeans where the images are processed to determine distances from theimaging sensors to the target object. A lens assembly is optionallyincluded between the imaging element and the target object to improvethe reception of optical energy reflected from the target object.Similarly, an optical energy source or emitter means may be provided toimprove illumination of the target object.

[0013] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide an improvedvehicle wheel service device, such as a vehicle wheel balancing systemor a vehicle tire mounting system which is configured with one or moreimaging sensors to acquire dimensional information associated with avehicle or vehicle component undergoing service, and to utilize theacquired dimensional information to assist in completing a vehicle wheelservice procedure.

[0014] For example, conventional vehicle wheel balancer systems performa calculation known in the trade as “plane separation” which separatessensed vibrations into discrete imbalance masses disposed in twoseparate planes of a vehicle wheel assembly, such as shown in FIG. 4consisting of a wheel rim and a tire. These planes are typically axialplanes corresponding to the wheel rim edges (i.e., the placementlocation of clip-on imbalance correction weights such as shown in FIG.5), but can also be planes located between the wheel rim edges (i.e.,the placement location for adhesive weights such as shown in FIG. 6). Inorder to calculate proper imbalance correction weight sizes, the axiallocation and radial location of the planes must be known. The “planeseparation” calculations are described in further detail in U.S. Pat.Nos. 2,731,834, 3,076,342, and 3,102,429.

[0015] Known methods to measure the parameters of a vehicle wheel rimfor purposes of identifying the axial and radial location of imbalancecorrection weight placement planes include the use of manual calipers,mechanical arms connected to sensors, such as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,939,941, 4,341,119, 4,576,044, and 3,741,016, acoustical measurementtechniques, such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,189,912, and the use ofstructured light, such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,918.

[0016] The imbalance correction weights used on today's wheel balancersinclude clip-on imbalance correction weights that are clipped onto theedge of a wheel rim, such as shown in FIG. 5, adhesive imbalancecorrection weights which are located axially inward from an edge of thewheel rim and adhered on an inside exposed surface of the wheel, such asshown in FIG. 6, and adhesive patch imbalance correction weightscommonly used to correct large imbalances and which are located on aninner surface of the tire, such as shown in FIG. 7. Commonly, theseoptions are presented to an operator on a display screen, such as shownin FIG. 8, requiring the operator to manually inspect the vehicle wheelrim to determine which type of imbalance correction weight is mostappropriate.

[0017] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide an improvedvehicle wheel service device, such as a vehicle wheel balancing systemor a vehicle tire mounting system which is configured with one or moreimaging sensors to acquire information associated with a vehicle wheelundergoing service, and to utilize the acquired information to assist inidentifying suitable imbalance correction weight placement planes andimbalance correction weight types for a vehicle wheel undergoing animbalance correction procedure.

[0018] During vibration reduction procedures for a vehicle wheelassembly 118, it is often necessary to measure the radial runout presentin the surfaces on a wheel rim against which a tire is seated, i.e. thetire bead seat surfaces. For a wheel assembly having a wheel rimconstructed from steel, it is often adequate to measure the radialrunout of the inboard and outboard tire bead seats on the correspondingouter edges of the wheel rim because the steel wheel rim is formed in asingle process which establishes a good correlation between the outeredges and the bead seat surfaces. However, for a wheel assembly having awheel rim constructed from an alloy, the outer edges of the wheel rimand the bead seat surfaces are often formed during different machiningsteps. Variations can occur in radial runout between the outer edges andthe bead seats surfaces. Hence, for alloy wheel rims a directmeasurement of the inside bead seat surfaces provide the most accuratemeasure of radial runout.

[0019] With conventional vehicle wheel balancer systems measurement ofan inner surface of the bead seats on a wheel rim requires a tedious andtime consuming process. First, the wheel assembly must be removed fromthe vehicle wheel balancer system. Next, the tire is removed from thewheel rim using a vehicle tire changing system, the wheel rim (withoutthe tire present) is remounted on the vehicle wheel balancer system, andradial runout at the bead seat surfaces is measured. The wheel rim isthen removed from the vehicle wheel balancer system, and returned to thevehicle tire changing system, wherein the tire is remounted to the wheelrim matching a measured first harmonic high spot of the tire with anaverage first harmonic low spot of the wheel rim to decrease vibrationin the wheel. Finally, the complete wheel assembly is again returned tothe vehicle wheel balancing system to complete the balancing processutilizing the acquired bead seat radial runout information.

[0020] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide an improvedvehicle wheel balancing system with a means to acquire bead seat radialrunout information from the inner surfaces of a wheel rim bead seatwithout requiring complete removal and disassembly of the vehicle wheelassembly from the vehicle wheel balancing system.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Briefly stated, the present invention provides an improvedvehicle wheel service system having a central processing unit and whichis configured to support a vehicle wheel assembly consisting of at leasta vehicle wheel rim on a rotating support structure. The vehicle wheelservice system includes an imaging sensor assembly disposed to acquireone or more optical images of at least a portion of the vehicle wheelassembly. The imaging sensor is further configured to acquire distanceinformation associated with each of the acquired optical images. Thecentral processing unit is configured to receive the distanceinformation from the imaging sensor assembly and to utilize the distanceinformation to facilitate one or more vehicle wheel service procedures.

[0022] In a first alternate embodiment of the present invention, avehicle wheel balancing system is configured with an imaging sensorassembly to acquire optical images and dimensional informationassociated with a vehicle wheel assembly consisting of at least avehicle wheel rim undergoing a vehicle wheel balancing procedure. Theimaging sensor acquires dimensional information associated with one ormore features of the vehicle wheel assembly, including, but not limitedto, radial runout of the rim bead seat surfaces, lateral runout of thewheel rim, tire characteristics and defects, wheel rim surface defects,wheel rim configurations and profiles, and imbalance correction weightplacement locations. The vehicle wheel balancing system is configured toutilize the acquired dimensional information to assist an operator incompleting a vehicle wheel balancing procedure.

[0023] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a vehicletire changing system is configured with one or more imaging sensorsassemblies to acquire optical images and dimensional informationassociated with a vehicle wheel assembly consisting of at least avehicle wheel rim onto which a tire is to be mounted or dismounted Theimaging sensor acquires dimensional information associated with one ormore features of the vehicle wheel assembly, including, but not limitedto, radial runout of the rim bead seat surfaces, lateral runout of thewheel rim, tire characteristics and defects, wheel rim surface defects,wheel rim configurations and profiles, and the presence of installedtire pressure sensors. The vehicle tire changing system is configure toutilize the acquired dimensional information to assist an operator incompleting a tire mounting or dismounting procedure, and optionally, tostore or convey the acquired dimensional information for use by avehicle wheel balancing system in a subsequent wheel balancing procedureassociated with the vehicle wheel assembly.

[0024] Briefly stated, the three-dimensional technology is used toimprove several functions of wheel balance and tire changing equipment.The improvements include wheel balancer improvements to measuring radialand lateral rim runout, determining imbalance correction weightlocations, placing imbalance correction weights, and the automation of abalancer bead breaker used to unseat the tire bead from the rim beadseat. Also, some of the same improvements to the wheel balancer will beapplied to the tire changer.

[0025] In an alternate embodiment, the methods of the present inventionfacilitate the process of balancing and matching a wheel rim and tire ofa wheel assembly on a single vehicle wheel service system by providingmeasures of the rim and tire radial runout and tire non-uniformitiesduring the process of displacing the tire from a bead seat surface ofthe wheel rim.

[0026] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of theapparatus and methods of the present invention as well as presentlypreferred embodiments thereof will become more apparent from the readingof the following description in connection with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In the accompanying drawings which form part of thespecification:

[0028]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art virtual keyboardembodying three-dimensional imaging technology;

[0029]FIG. 2 is a representation of optical energy from a prior artthree-dimensional imaging sensor directed towards a target object alongmultiple pathways;

[0030]FIG. 3 is a representation of optical energy reflected from thetarget object of FIG. 2 received at the prior art three-dimensionalimaging sensor;

[0031]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a conventional vehicle wheelassembly;

[0032]FIG. 5 illustrates the placement of a clip-on imbalance correctionweight a conventional vehicle wheel assembly;

[0033]FIG. 6 illustrates the placement of an adhesive imbalancecorrection weight on a conventional vehicle wheel assembly;

[0034]FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a conventional vehicle wheelassembly, illustrating the placement of an adhesive contact patchimbalance correction weight;

[0035]FIG. 8 illustrates a prior art imbalance correction weight typeand placement display screen;

[0036]FIG. 9 illustrates a preferred camera component configuration ofthe present invention;

[0037]FIG. 10 illustrates alternate camera component configurations ofthe present invention;

[0038]FIG. 11A illustrates an inner view of a vehicle wheel rim;

[0039]FIG. 11B illustrates a side view of a vehicle wheel rim;

[0040]FIG. 11C illustrates an outer view of a vehicle wheel rim;

[0041]FIG. 12 is a combination diagrammatic plan view, block functiondiagram of a wheel balancer embodiment of the present invention;

[0042]FIG. 13 illustrates a camera or imaging assembly placementlocation on the structure a vehicle wheel balancer;

[0043]FIG. 14 illustrates an alternate camera or imaging assemblyplacement location on a vehicle wheel balancer spindle assembly;

[0044]FIG. 15 illustrates an alternate camera placement locationdisposed remotely from the wheel balancer;

[0045]FIG. 16 illustrates two axis of movement for a camera or imagingassembly;

[0046]FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a tire bead roller and cameraassembly separating a tire from a wheel rim;

[0047]FIG. 18 is a sectional view illustrating prior art tire beadremoval arm;

[0048]FIG. 19 is a perspective illustration of a pair of tire beadremoval arms associated with a vehicle wheel balancing system;

[0049]FIG. 20 is a combination partial diagrammatic plan view, partialblock function diagram of the wheel balancer embodiment of the presentinvention shown in FIG. 19;

[0050]FIG. 21 is a perspective illustration of a vehicle tire changersystem;

[0051]FIG. 22 is a combination partial diagrammatic plan view, partialblock function diagram of a tire changer embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0052]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a vehicle wheel rim with a valvemounted tire pressure sensor;

[0053]FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a standardized tire marking;

[0054]FIG. 25 illustrates one embodiment of a weight position indicatorwand; and

[0055]FIG. 26 illustrates a sequence of displayed weight placementassistance screens.

[0056] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several figures of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0057] The following detailed description illustrates the invention byway of example and not by way of limitation. The description clearlyenables one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, describesseveral embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses ofthe invention, including what is presently believed to be the best modeof carrying out the invention.

[0058] The present invention is described below in the context of animproved vehicle wheel service system 100, such as a vehicle wheelbalancer system 200 or a vehicle tire changing system 400, configuredwith one or more imaging sensor assemblies 102 which are configured toacquire one or more images of a field of view. The acquired images areused for locating, measuring distances to, and identifying features ortarget objects, and more particularly, vehicle wheel features, vehiclewheel feature locations, vehicle wheel configurations, dimensions, anddistances from features of a vehicle wheel to the imaging sensorassembly 102. For example, the imaging sensor assembly may be disposedto provide an optical distance measurement to a tread surface of a tire,identifying tire flat spots, bulges, or providing a measure of the tiretread depth.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 9, each imaging sensor assembly 102 preferablyconsists of an optical energy source 108 configured to emit opticalenergy at a known wavelength, an imaging sensor 110, and a lens assembly112 configured to focus reflected optical energy onto the imaging sensor110. The imaging sensor 110 is preferably a two-dimensional array oflight sensing elements configured to generate a signal representative ofdistances between each sensing element and a feature or target object inaddition to a signal representative of the optical energy received ateach sensing element (i.e., an image consisting of discrete pixelscorresponding to each sensing element in the image sensor 110).

[0060] Alternatively, two or more imaging sensor assemblies 102 may beutilized to acquire multiple images of a target object for purposes ofstereoscopic distance measurements. For such alternative embodiments,each imaging sensor 110 may be a conventional two dimensional array oflight sensing elements configured to generate a signal representativeonly of the optical energy received at each sensing element (i.e., animage).

[0061] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the imaging sensor assembly 102 may beconfigured in a variety of different configuration, depending upon theparticular application for which it will be utilized. Preferably, eachoptical energy source 108 associated with a particular imaging sensorassembly 102 is configured to emit optical energy at the samewavelength. If multiple imaging sensor assemblies 102 are employed in asingle vehicle service device 100, it is preferable that the opticalenergy sources 108 associated with each imaging sensor assembly 102 emitoptical energy at different wavelengths, to facilitate distinguishingreflected light between each imaging sensor assembly 102.

[0062] Each imaging sensor assembly 102 further includes a conventionalcommunication means 114 such as, but not limited to, a CCA trace, USBcontroller, Firewire controller or 802.11 HF transceiver to transfercaptured images and distance data to a processing unit 116 associatedwith the vehicle service system 100.

[0063] Optionally, image processing is done in a camera logic circuitassociated with the imaging sensor assembly 102, and the communicationmeans 114 is configured to transfer processed image data along with, orinstead of, the raw image data to the processing unit 116.

[0064] When associated with vehicle service system 100, the imagingsensor assembly 102 may be located in a variety of different locationsdepending upon the particular application for which the imaging sensorassembly 102 is to be utilized, and one or more parameters of theimaging sensor assembly 102, including but not limited to durability,stability, focal length of the lens 112, Field Of View (FOV) of the lens112, intensity of optical energy emitted from the optical energy source108, and limitations of the imaging sensor 110.

[0065] For applications which require the imaging sensor assembly 102 toview a vehicle wheel assembly 118, consisting of a wheel rim 120 andtire 122, such as is shown generally in FIG. 4, there are a variety ofsurfaces on the vehicle wheel assembly 118 which are of interest. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 11A, with a tire 122 mounted or dismounted, itis desirable to include in a field of view, the inner rim lip 124 toidentify potential clip-on imbalance correction weight locations,nominal rim dimensions or profiles, the inner surface profile 125 of thewheel rim 120 for adhesive imbalance correction weight size and locationdeterminations, and the underside 126A of the inner tire bead seat 128Ato assist in a determination of radial and lateral runout.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 11B it is desirable to include in a field ofview, the upper surfaces 130A, 130B of the inner and outer tire beadseats 128A, 128B with the tire 122 removed or dismounted to assist in adetermination of radial and lateral runout.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 11C, it is desirable to include in a field ofview the spokes 132 of the wheel rim 120 to determine hidden imbalancecorrection weight placement locations, as well as the outer wheel rim134 for clip-on imbalance correction weight type, size, and locationdetermination and nominal rim dimensions. Those of ordinary skill willrecognize that the spokes 132 may also be observed from the inside asshown in FIG. 11A, to determine a rear spoke cross-section for placementof imbalance correction weights within the spoke cross-section,obscuring views of the imbalance correction weight after placement fromthe outside of the wheel assembly 118.

[0068] It is further desirable to view the underside 126B of the outerbead seat 128B (while the tire is mounted or dismounted) to assist in adetermination of radial and lateral runout, and to view the outer rimsurface 134 for adhesive weight placement locations. The outer portionsof the wheel rim 120 may optionally be viewed to locate other featuressuch as a valve stem 136 or temporary index markings so that the wheelassembly 118 may be rotated to a convenient location for inflation or toautomatically re-phase the wheel rim 120 and tire 122.

[0069] For any field of view including a portion of a vehicle wheelassembly 118 acquired by a camera or image assembly 102, obstructions tothe smooth surfaces of the wheel rim 120 such as balance weights (notshown), spokes 132, or valve stems 134, may be identified in resultingimages utilizing conventional image processing techniques. Theobstruction information is utilized to assist in identifying suitableimbalance correction weight types and placement locations, relocatingone or more imbalance correction balance weights, or altering an amountof imbalance correction weight installed on the vehicle wheel assembly118.

[0070] For example, if an imbalance correction weight placement locationis obstructed by the presence of debris or a surface defect on the wheelrim 120, conventional wheel balancer systems are not capable ofautomatically identifying the presence of the debris or obstruction toidentify alternate imbalance correction weight placement locations andsizes. By identifying debris or obstructions in an image of a wheel rim120 acquired by an imaging sensor assembly 102, a vehicle wheel servicesystem 100, such as a vehicle wheel balancer 200 may be configured toautomatically utilize a split weight algorithm to identify suitablealternative imbalance weight placements and sizes. Similarly, theimaging sensor assembly 102 may be utilized to facilitate placement ofimbalance correction weights behind individual spokes 132 or withinspoke cross-sections of the vehicle wheel assembly 118.

[0071] The particular location for placement of an imaging sensorassembly 102 on a vehicle wheel service system 100 such as a vehiclewheel balancer 200 or vehicle wheel tire changer 400 is determined inpart by the optical characteristics of the imaging sensor assembly 102,and in part by the particular field of view which is desired to beobtained.

[0072] In a first alternate embodiment of the present invention, shownin FIG. 12, a vehicle wheel balancer system 200 is configured with animaging sensor assembly 102 disposed to view, along a field of view FOV,a portion of a vehicle wheel assembly 118 to be balanced. The vehiclewheel assembly 118 is mounted on a rotatable mounting shaft or spindle207, which is driven by a bidirectional, multi-rpm, variable torquemotor drive 236 through a belt 238. Operation of the motor drive 236 iscontrolled by a motor control unit 240, in response to signals receivedfrom the CPU 232. Mounted on one end of the spindle 207 is aconventional quadrature phase optical shaft encoder 242 which providesrotational position information to the balancer CPU 232. The CPU 232capable of executing the balancer software and driving an optionaldisplay 244 or other interface configured to provide information to anoperator. The CPU 232 is connected to EPROM program memory 246, EEPROMmemory 248 for storing and retrieving non-volatile information such ascalibration and vehicle specific specifications, and DRAM memory 250 fortemporary data storage. Manual inputs for the present invention entailkeypad entry 252 as well as optional digital rotary contacting encoders254, 256, and 258, i.e. knobs.

[0073] Optionally, the CPU 232 of the vehicle wheel balancer system 200is further configured to communicate with one or more additional vehicleservices devices, such as a vehicle tire changer system 400, to exchangedata therewith. For example, the vehicle wheel balancer system 200 maybe configured to communicate one or more radial runout measurementsacquired by the imaging sensor assembly 102 for a wheel assembly 118 toa vehicle tire changing system 400 for use during a subsequent tiremounting or dismounting procedure of that wheel assembly 118.Alternatively, the vehicle wheel balancer system 200 may be configuredto store the acquired measurements or images either locally in anassociated data storage 250, remotely over a data network, or in an datastorage device associated with the wheel assembly 118 itself such as anradio-frequency identification device (not shown) which can be lateraccessed by another vehicle service device to retrieve the information.

[0074] During the operation of the vehicle wheel balancing system 200, awheel assembly 118 under test is removably mounted on the spindle shaft207 for rotation with a spindle hub 260 of conventional design. Todetermine wheel assembly 118 imbalances, the vehicle wheel balancersystem 200 includes at least a pair of force transducers coupled to thebalance structure 262. These sensors and their corresponding interfacecircuitry to the CPU 232 are well known in the art, such as seen in U.S.Pat. No. 5,396,436 to Parker et al., herein incorporated by reference,and thus are not shown.

[0075] Additionally shown in FIG. 12 is the inclusion of the controllogic 264 for the imaging sensor assembly 102 in communication with thebalancer CPU 232 for controlling the operation of an imaging sensorassembly 102. The imaging sensor assembly 102 is preferably housed in aself-contained housing 268, with a field of view FOV orientated towardsa desired portion of the wheel assembly 118 mounted on the spindle 207.

[0076] For example, for an imaging sensor assembly 102 associated with avehicle wheel balancer system 200 to include a field of view coveringthe portions of a vehicle wheel rim identified in FIG. 11A, there areseveral possible locations. As shown in FIG. 13, the imaging sensorassembly 102 could be mounted on the inside edge of a movable hood 202or inside the balancer housing 204 using a hole (not shown) in the sideof the housing 204 for optical energy transmission, on the spindlehousing 206, adjacent the spindle shaft 207 as shown in FIG. 14, or on apost 208 displaced from the wheel balancer system 200 as shown in FIG.15.

[0077] Mounting the imaging sensor assembly 102 adjacent the outboardportions of the hood 202, as shown in FIG. 13 provides the imagingsensor assembly 102 with a field of view FOV including the outersurfaces of the vehicle wheel rim 120, such as shown in FIG. 11C.Mounting the imaging sensor assembly 102 either adjacent the inboardportions of the hood 202, as shown in FIG. 13, or on the spindle housing206 as shown in FIG. 14, provides the imaging sensor assembly 102 with afield of view including the inner surfaces of the vehicle wheel rim 120,such as shown in FIG. 11A, for a wide range of wheel rim configurations.Those of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize that theimaging sensor assembly 102 may be movable about one or more axis toincrease the available field of view, or that multiple imaging sensorassemblies 102 may be utilized to accommodate a wider range of wheel rimconfigurations or provide coverage for multiple fields of view.

[0078] Optionally, with an imaging sensor assembly 102 mounted on thehood 202, a shutter mechanism (not shown) on the imaging sensor assembly102 may be used to protect the camera or imaging assembly componentsfrom the harsh conditions of the hood environment when not in use.

[0079] An alternative placement of the camera or imaging assembly toinclude the outer portions of a vehicle wheel rim 120 in a field ofview, such as shown in FIG. 11C, requires a separate post 208 displacedfrom the vehicle wheel balancer system 200 on which the imaging sensorassembly 102 is disposed, as shown in FIG. 15. Placement on a post 208provides advantages in the design of the imaging sensor assembly 102components, such as the lens 112, accessibility to the imaging sensorassembly 102, and protection from the environmental conditionsassociated with the region around the hood 202 or spindle housing 206.Preferably, with an imaging sensor assembly 102 disposed on the separatepost 208, the vehicle wheel balancer system 200 is secured to the flooror other stable structure such that the placement of the post 208relative to the vehicle wheel balancer system 200 remains constant.Those of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize that theimaging sensor assembly 102 may be movable about one or more axis, suchas shown in FIG. 16, to increase the available field of view, or thatmultiple imaging sensor assemblies 102, not limited to those disposed onposts 208, may be utilized to accommodate a wider range of wheel rimconfigurations or to provide multiple fields of view.

[0080] To provide a vehicle wheel service system 100, such as a vehiclewheel balancer 200 with an imaging sensor assembly 102 disposed to viewthe surfaces of a vehicle wheel rim 120 illustrated in FIG. 11 B, thereare a variety of locations at which the imaging sensor assembly 102 maybe disposed. For example, the imaging sensor assembly 102 may becentrally disposed on an inner surface on the hood 202 of the balancer200, orientated to look downward on the wheel rim 120, or on a floorsurface below the spindle shaft 207, orientated to look upward on thewheel rim 120 mounted on the spindle shaft 207. Preferably, for animaging sensor assembly 102 disposed in either of these locations, ashutter mechanism is utilized to protect the imaging sensor assembly 102when not in use. An alternate configuration may employ two or moreimaging sensor assemblies 102 mounted on opposed inner surfaces of thehood 202, each configured to view a diagonally opposite rim bead seat128A, 128B of a wheel rim 120 disposed on the spindle shaft 207.

[0081] A preferred location for an imaging sensor assembly 102 to viewthe surfaces of a vehicle wheel rim 120 as illustrated in FIG. 11 B ison a tire bead removal arm 300 as shown in FIG. 17, associated with thevehicle wheel service system 100, which may be either a vehicle wheelbalancer system 200, or a vehicle tire changing system 400. A tire beadremoval arm 300 consists of tire bead breaker or bead roller 302disposed for rotational movement at an end of an articulating supportstructure 304. The articulating support structure 304 is typicallyconfigured with mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic actuating mechanism(not shown) to engage the bead roller 302 with the side surface of atire 122 disposed on a wheel rim 120, disengaging the tire 122 from thewheel rim bead seat 128A, as shown in FIG. 18. Typically, a second tirebead removal arm is disposed adjacent an opposite side of the tire 122,to displace the opposite tire surface from the wheel rim bead seat 128B.

[0082] As illustrated in FIG. 17, an imaging sensor assembly 102associated with the tire bead removal arm 300 is preferably coupledthereto by means of a bracket 306 which positions the imaging sensorassembly 102 adjacent the bead roller 302. In this configuration, theimaging sensor assembly 102 is provided with a field of view whichincludes the upper surface of the wheel rim bead seat 128A as the beadroller 302 displaces the tire 122. Typically, a bead roller 302 willdisplace a tire 122 two or more inches from the bead seat 128A.Continuous rotation of the wheel assembly 118 about the wheel axis asthe bead roller 302 displaces the tire 122 from the circumference of thebead seat 128A provides an imaging sensor assembly 102 disposed with theproper field of view, a complete view of the entire circumferentialsurface of the bead seat 128A or 128B from which distance measurementscan be acquired.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, in an alternate configuration of thepresent invention, the vehicle wheel balancer system 200 is configuredwith a pair of tire bead removal arms 300 (one for each side of the tire122) and an associated bead removal arm control unit 310 operativelycoupled to the balancer CPU 232. Utilizing the tire bead removal arms300, the vehicle wheel balancer system 200 can be configured to deflectthe tire 122 inward from the edges 124 of the wheel rim 120, permittinga measurement device such as an imaging sensor assembly 102 to obtain ameasure of the radial runout of the bead seat surfaces 128A, 128B,without requiring complete removal the tire 122 from the wheel rim 120.

[0084] Preferably, the measurement device is an imaging sensor assembly102 mounted to each tire bead removal arm 300, as previously described.However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the useof the tire bead removal arms 300 permits other measurement devices tobe associated with the vehicle wheel balancer system 200 to provide ameasure of the tire bead seat surface radial runout, including, but notlimited to, a potentiometer, a Hall effect sensor, an LVDT sensor, or acapacitor sensor.

[0085] During operation, once the tire bead removal arms 300 haveunseated the tire 122 from the bead seat surfaces 128A, 128B, theimaging sensor assembly 102 is utilized to acquire distance informationcorresponding to radial runout measurements from the bead seat surfaces128A, 128B. For example, as previously described, an imaging sensorassembly 102 associated with the tire bead removal arms 300 can obtainimages of the bead seat surfaces 128A, 128B from which distanceinformation can be extracted, identifying radial runout. Alternatively,a contact measurement device may be moved into position such that aroller or ball rests on the bead seat surfaces 128A, 128B as the wheelrim 120 is slowly rotated. Movement of the contact measurement devicewould be up and down responsive to the radial runout of the bead seatsurfaces 128A, 128B as detected and measured by the measurement device.

[0086] Utilizing a vehicle wheel balancer system 200 configured with apair of tire bead removal arms 300, the tire 122 and wheel rim 120 canbe appropriately matched without dismounting the wheel assembly 118 fromthe balancer spindle 207. Maximum radial runout or maximumnon-uniformity of the tire 122 may be acquired by the vehicle wheelbalancer system 200 using a conventional method, and matched to thelowest point of radial runout of the wheel rim 120 as identified by theimaging sensor assembly 102 or contact measurement device. The pair oftire bead removal arms 300 are utilized to “break” the tire 122 loosefrom the wheel rim 120 and hold it in place, permitting the spindleshaft 207 to rotate the wheel rim 120 until the identified point ofmaximum radial runout on the tire 122 matches the identified point ofminimum radial runout on the wheel rim 120.

[0087] Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that thevehicle wheel balancer system 200 may be further configured to measurelateral runout of the wheel rim 120 or tire assembly 118 utilizing animaging sensor assembly 102 disposed in proximity to the wheel rim suchthat a portion of the wheel rim edge 124 is within the field of view ofthe imaging sensor assembly 102, or utilizing a ball or roller aspreviously described for radial runout measurements.

[0088] In an alternate embodiment, a conventional vehicle tire changersystem 400, such as illustrated in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 includes one ormore imaging sensor assemblies 102, disposed with a field of viewencompassing a wheel assembly 118, such as on the associated tire beadremoval arms 300. Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 21, theconventional tire bead removal arms 300 are coupled to a bead rollerassembly 402 secured to the base 404 of the tire changer system 400. Aconventional tire clamping device 406 is additionally disposed on thebase 404, and is configured to secure a wheel assembly 118 in agenerally horizontal position between the upper and lower tire beadremoval arms 300. A conventional articulating tire mount/demount armassembly 408 is further coupled to the base 404, and includes a tiremount/demount head 410 configured to assist in installation or removalof a tire 122 from a wheel rim 120. A number of conventional accessoryitems such as a compressed air inflation assembly 412, tire airinflation ring 414, a wheel centering support 416, and removable wheelsecuring device 418 are associated with the tire changer system 400.Similar, a number of foot activated control pedals 420 are provided.

[0089] For some tire and rim combinations it is necessary for the tirechanger system 400 to use a high pressure blast of air from the tire airinflation ring 414 between the rim 120 and the tire 122 to assist inseating the tire 122 on the bead seat surfaces 128A, 128B. The blast ofair causes the tire sidewalls to expand such that the tire 122 makes aseal with the wheel rim 120 close to, if not on, the bead seat surfaces128A, 128B. This is necessary for filling the wheel assembly 118 withair until the tire 122 is seated into the bead seat surfaces 128A, 128B.The imaging sensor assembly 102 is optionally utilized to acquire one ormore dimensional measurements of the vehicle wheel rim 120 which aresubsequently utilized by the tire changer system 400 to determine a needfor an air blast, and to alter the position or orientation of theindividual nozzles 415 on the tire air inflation ring 414 to accommodatewheel rims 120 of different sizes.

[0090] In the tire changing system 400, the vehicle wheel assembly 118to be dismounted or mounted is secured to on a rotating shaft 401 by aset of wheel clamps 406. The shaft 401 is driven by a motor drive 436through a belt 438. Operation of the motor drive 436 is controlled by amotor control unit 440, in response to signals received from the CPU432. The CPU 432 similarly controls the operation of the wheel clamps406 through a tire clamp control unit 433. Mounted on one end of theshaft 401 is a conventional shaft encoder 442 which provides rotationalposition information to the tire changer CPU 432. The CPU 432 ispreferably capable of executing tire changer operations software anddriving an optional display 444. The CPU 432 is connected to EPROMprogram memory 446, EEPROM memory 448 for storing and retrievingnon-volatile information such as vehicle wheel specific specifications,and DRAM memory 450 for temporary storage. Manual inputs for the presentinvention may entail a keypad entry 452 as well as control pedals 420.

[0091] Additionally shown in FIG. 22 is the inclusion of camera controllogic 464 in communication with the tire changer CPU 432 for controllingthe operation of an imaging sensor assembly 102. The imaging sensorassembly 102 is preferably disposed with a field of view towards aportion of the wheel assembly 118 mounted on the shaft 401, such thatthe imaging sensor assembly 102 can acquire images of the tire bead seatsurfaces 128A, 128B when exposed by the bead removal arms 300

[0092] Optionally, the CPU 432 of the tire changer system 400 is furtherconfigured to communicate with one or more additional vehicle servicesdevices, such as a vehicle wheel balancer 200, to exchange datatherewith. For example, the tire changer system 400 may be configured tocommunicate one or more radial runout measurements acquired by theimaging sensor assembly 102 for a wheel assembly 118 to a vehicle wheelbalancer system 200 for use during a subsequent balancing procedure ofthat wheel assembly 118. Alternatively, the tire changer system 400 maybe configured to store the acquired measurements or images eitherlocally in an associated data storage 450, remotely over a data network,or in an data storage device associated with the wheel assembly 118itself such as an radio-frequency identification device (not shown)which can be later accessed by another vehicle service device toretrieve the information.

[0093] Providing a vehicle wheel service system 100 such as a vehiclebalancing system 200 or a vehicle tire changer system 400 with a pair oftire bead removal arms 300 configured with associated imaging sensorassembly 102 facilitates automation of the tire bead seat breakingprocess by utilizing images and distance measurements obtained from theimaging sensor assembly 102 to locate the tire bead removal arms 300relative to the wheel assembly 118, and in particular, to locate beadrollers 302 relative to the junction between the tire 122 and wheel rim120. The images and distance measurements acquired from the imagingsensor assembly 102 preferably provide feedback utilized by the vehiclewheel service system 100 to control movement of the pair of tire beadremoval arms 300, and to guide the bead rollers 302 into the appropriatejunction for displacement of the tire 122 from the bead seat surfaces128A, 128B. Once the bead rollers 302 are positioned, the imaging sensorassembly 102 is utilized along with conventional location and pressuresensors associated with the tire bead removal arms 300 to unseat thetire 122 from the rim bead seat surfaces 128A, 128B.

[0094] A problem which is encountered during displacement of a tire 122from the rim bead seat surfaces 128A, 128B on a wheel rim 120 is theplacement of pressure sensors 500 installed within the tire assembly 118for monitoring air pressure, such as shown in FIG. 23. When the tire 122is unseated from the rim bead seat surface 128A, 128B, care must betaken not to damage the sensor 500 mounted inside the rim 120. It isknown that particular types of sensors 500 are only installed on wheelrims 120 having predetermined configurations. Accordingly, images of awheel rim 120 acquired by the imaging sensor assembly 102 may becompared with a database of predetermined wheel rim profiles todetermine if a sensor 500 is likely to be disposed within the wheelassembly 118.

[0095] In a first alternative method, once the tire bead removal arms300 of a vehicle wheel service system 100 have unseated the tire 122from the bead seat surfaces 128A, 128B, a properly positioned imagingsensor assembly 102 associated with the vehicle wheel service system 100could “take a look” under the exposed edge of the tire 122 to measure adistance to the opposite side of the tire 122. If the distance isobserved to be constant about the circumference of the wheel assembly asit is rotated past the imaging sensor assembly 102, then there is nosensor 500. If, however, the distance is measured to be shorter in onespot about the circumference of the wheel rim 118, then a sensor 500 orother obstruction location has been identified.

[0096] In a second alternative method, standardized markings disposed onthe surface of the tire 122 may be observed by an imaging sensorassembly 102, and compared against a predetermined database ofstandardized tire markings to indicate the presence and type of sensor500 disposed within the wheel assembly 118.

[0097] For example, as shown in FIG. 24, emergency run-flat tires whichare capable of supporting the weight of a vehicle with little or no airpressure are typically marked with an “EMT” standardized tire marking,and contain a valve-type sensor 500 such as shown in FIG. 23. When animage of the EMT standardized tire marking acquired by an imaging sensorassembly 102 is compared to the predetermined database of standardizedtire markings, the vehicle wheel service system 100 can identify that anEMT tire 120 typically includes a valve type sensor 500 in the wheelassembly 118.

[0098] Utilizing this information, the vehicle service system 100 may befurther configured to identify the location of the tire valve stem 136from images acquired by the imaging sensor assembly 102, and to minimizedeflection of the tire 122 from the bead seat surfaces 128A, 128B, inlocations at or adjacent to the valve stem 136 to avoid damage to thesensor 500.

[0099] Location of the valve stem 136 or other index markings in animage acquired by the imaging sensor assembly 102 may be furtherutilized by the vehicle wheel service system 100. As a general rule thetire 122 dismount from the wheel rim 120 should not start at the tirevalve stem 136. Accordingly, after identifying the location of the valvestem 136, the vehicle wheel service system is configured to rotate thewheel assembly 118 such that the tire bead removal arms 300 do not bringthe bead rollers 302 into contact with the wheel assembly 118 adjacentthe valve stem 136.

[0100] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a vehiclewheel balancer system 200 may be configured with an imaging sensorassembly 102 disposed to facilitate the selection and placement ofimbalance correction weights on a vehicle wheel assembly 118 to correcta detected imbalance. An operator identifies an axial location within awheel rim 118 at which imbalance correction weight placement is desired.The operator may identify this location utilizing an object which issufficiently identifiable by the imaging sensor assembly 102 such that adistance measurement to the indicated placement location may beacquired. For example, the operator may utilize a finger or aspecialized pointing device such as a laser pointer or a wand 600configured with a known target 602. The wand 600, such as shown in FIG.25, may include a set of LEDs as a known target, powered by a battery603. The location of the indicating object is acquired by the imagingsensor assembly 102 in response to an operator's command. For example,the operator may step on a foot pedal 210, or press an activation button604 on the wand 600.

[0101] Once the vehicle wheel balancing system 200 has identified theweight placement locations, the vehicle wheel balancer system 200determines a corresponding imbalance correction mode. For instance, ifonly one imbalance correction weight placement location is identified,the operator has chosen a static imbalance correction mode. If twoidentified imbalance correction weight locations are identified whichare not on edge 124 of the wheel rim 120, the operator has chosen adynamic adhesive weight imbalance correction mode. Preferably, thevehicle wheel balancing system 200 further analyzes, using imagesacquired from the imaging sensor assembly 102, the identified imbalancecorrection weight placement location to identify possible imbalancecorrection weight placement obstructions on the wheel rim 120. If anobstruction is identified, the vehicle wheel balancing system 200 isconfigured to calculate one or more new imbalance correction weightsizes and placement locations which will avoid the obstruction.Alternatively, if the operator identifies an axial imbalance correctionweight placement location behind the spokes 132 of the wheel rim 120,the vehicle wheel balancing system identifies this “special” locationand again calculates one or more imbalance correction weight sizes andlocations which are hidden behind adjacent wheel spokes 132.

[0102] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention associatedwith a vehicle wheel balancing system 200, the imaging sensor assembly102 is utilized to provide assistance to an operator during theplacement of imbalance correction weights on a wheel assembly 118 tocorrect a detected imbalance. The imaging sensor assembly 102 isutilized to observe the operator's action of placing the imbalancecorrection weight, either by the operator's hand movement, the use of anconventional imbalance correction weight carrying arm, or a wand 600configured to hold an imbalance correction weight thereon for placement,and to provide the operator with feedback such as visual and/or audioguidance as to where to locate the adhesive weight. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 26, visual feedback may include a sequence of imagesillustrating the distance between the current location of the imbalancecorrection weight 700 and the desired placement location 702.

[0103] An additional problem which may occur during imbalancemeasurement of a vehicle wheel assembly 118 is improper mounting of thewheel assembly 118 on the spindle shaft 207 of the vehicle wheelbalancing system 200. In an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention, improper mounting may be detected by an imaging sensorassembly 102 configured to measure radial runout of the wheel rim beadseat surfaces 128A, 128B by observing both bead seat surfaces 128A and128B moving radially or axially in unison. The vehicle wheel balancingsystem 200 is configured to display a diagnostic message cautioning theoperator to check the mounting of the wheel assembly 118 in the eventsuch conditions are detected.

[0104] Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that theadvantages of providing a vehicle wheel service systems such as avehicle wheel balancing system or a vehicle tire changing system with animaging sensor assembly 102 capable of providing three-dimensionalmeasurement information are not limited to the embodiments disclosedherein, and that additional features of conventional vehicle wheelbalancing systems or vehicle tire changing systems may be improved orsupplemented with three-dimensional measurement information acquired bysuch an imaging sensor assembly 102 within the scope of this invention.

[0105] The present invention can be embodied in-part in the form ofcomputer-implemented processes and apparatuses for practicing thoseprocesses. The present invention can also be embodied in-part in theform of computer program code containing instructions embodied intangible media, such as floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, hard drives, or another computer readable storage medium, wherein, when the computerprogram code is loaded into, and executed by, an electronic device suchas a computer, micro-processor or logic circuit, the device becomes anapparatus for practicing the invention.

[0106] The present invention can also be embodied in-part in the form ofcomputer program code, for example, whether stored in a storage medium,loaded into and/or executed by a computer, or transmitted over sometransmission medium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, throughfiber optics, or via electromagnetic radiation, wherein, when thecomputer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, thecomputer becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. Whenimplemented in a general purpose microprocessor, the computer programcode segments configure the microprocessor to create specific logiccircuits.

[0107] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects ofthe invention are achieved and other advantageous results are obtained.As various changes could be made in the above constructions withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention, it is intended that allmatter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

1. An improved vehicle wheel service system having a central processingunit and configured to support a vehicle wheel assembly consisting of atleast a vehicle wheel rim on a rotating support structure, theimprovement comprising: an imaging sensor assembly disposed to acquireone or more optical images of at least a portion of the vehicle wheelassembly, said imaging sensor further configured to acquire distanceinformation associated with each of said one or more acquired opticalimages; and wherein the central processing unit is configured to receiveat least said distance information from said imaging sensor assembly tofacilitate one or more vehicle wheel service procedures.
 2. The improvedvehicle wheel service system of claim 1 wherein the vehicle wheelservice system is a vehicle wheel balancing system.
 3. The improvedvehicle wheel service system of claim 1 wherein the vehicle wheelservice system is a vehicle tire changing system.
 4. The improvedvehicle wheel service system of claim 1 wherein said distanceinformation is representative of a distance between said imaging sensorassembly and said portion of the vehicle wheel assembly.
 5. The improvedvehicle wheel service system of claim 1 wherein each of said one or moreoptical images consists of a two dimensional array of pixel elements,and wherein said imaging sensor is configured to acquire distanceinformation for each pixel element in said two dimensional array ofpixel elements.
 6. The improved vehicle wheel service system of claim 1wherein said imaging sensor is further configured to acquire distanceinformation associated with each of said one or more acquired opticalimages for at least one feature contained within said one or moreacquired optical images.
 7. The improved vehicle wheel service system ofclaim 1 wherein the central processing unit is further configured toutilize said distance information to identify a surface profile of thevehicle wheel rim.
 8. The improved vehicle wheel service system of claim1 wherein the central processing unit is further configured to utilizesaid distance information to calculate one or more parameters of thevehicle wheel assembly.
 9. The improved vehicle wheel service system ofclaim 8 wherein said one or more parameters is radial runout of one ormore tire bead seat surfaces of the vehicle wheel rim.
 10. The improvedvehicle wheel service system of claim 8 wherein said one or moreparameters is lateral runout of the vehicle wheel rim.
 11. The improvedvehicle wheel service system of claim 8 wherein the central processingunit is configured to store said one or more calculated parameters forsubsequent retrieval.
 12. The improved vehicle wheel service system ofclaim 11 wherein the central processing unit is configured to store saidone or more calculated parameters in a data storage means associatedwith the vehicle wheel assembly for subsequent retrieval.
 13. Theimproved vehicle wheel service system of claim 8 wherein the centralprocessing unit is configured to communicate said one or more calculatedparameters to a second vehicle wheel service system.
 14. The improvedvehicle wheel service system of claim 1 wherein the central processingunit is further configured to utilize said distance information toidentify a miss-centering of the vehicle wheel rim on the rotatingsupport structure.
 15. The improved vehicle wheel service system ofclaim 1 wherein the central processing unit is further configured toutilize said distance information to identify the presence of aninstalled tire pressure sensor associated with the vehicle wheelassembly.
 16. The improved vehicle wheel service system of claim 1wherein the central processing unit is further configured to utilizesaid distance information to identify one or more features of thevehicle wheel assembly.
 17. The improved vehicle wheel service system ofclaim 16 wherein said one or more features include a spokeconfiguration.
 18. The improved vehicle wheel service system of claim 16wherein said one or more features include a spoke profile.
 19. Theimproved vehicle wheel service system of claim 16 wherein said one ormore features include a wheel rim edge profile.
 20. The improved vehiclewheel service system of claim 16 wherein said one or more featuresinclude a valve stem location.
 21. The improved vehicle wheel servicesystem of claim 16 wherein said one or more features include a tiredefect.
 22. The improved vehicle wheel service system of claim 16wherein said one or more features include a tire tread depth.
 23. Theimproved vehicle wheel service system of claim 16 wherein said one ormore features include an installed imbalance correction weight.
 24. Theimproved vehicle wheel service system of claim 16 wherein said one ormore features include a wheel rim surface defect.
 25. The improvedvehicle wheel service system of claim 1 wherein the central processingunit is further configured to utilize said distance information toidentify one or more imbalance correction weight placement locations onthe vehicle wheel rim.
 26. The improved vehicle wheel service system ofclaim 1 further including at least one tire bead removal arm supportinga tire bead roller for operatively engaging the vehicle wheel assemblyto displace a tire from the wheel rim, and wherein said imaging sensorassembly is disposed on said at least one tire bead removal arm.
 27. Theimproved vehicle wheel service system of claim 25 wherein said imagingsensor assembly is disposed on said at least one tire bead removal armadjacent said tire bead roller, and wherein said imaging sensor assemblyhas a field of view including a portion of a vehicle wheel rim tire beadseat exposed during operative engagement between said tire bead rollerand the vehicle wheel assembly.
 28. The improved vehicle service systemof claim 1 wherein said imaging sensor assembly is configured formovement to alter a field of view associated with said imaging sensorassembly.
 29. The improved vehicle service system of claim 1 whereinsaid imaging sensor assembly is remotely disposed from the rotatingsupport structure.
 30. The improved vehicle wheel service system ofclaim 1 wherein the central processing unit is further configured toutilize said distance information to alter a configuration of one ormore components of the improved vehicle wheel service system.
 31. Theimproved vehicle wheel service system of claim 30 further including anadjustable tire inflation means, and wherein said central processor isfurther configured to utilize said distance information to position saidtire inflation in operative proximity to the vehicle wheel assembly toassist in mounting and inflating a tire on the vehicle wheel rim. 32.The improved vehicle service system of claim 30 further including a pairof tire bead removal arms each supporting a tire bead roller foroperatively engaging the vehicle wheel assembly to displace a tire fromthe wheel rim, and wherein said central processor is further configuredto utilize said distance information to position each of said tire beadremoval arms such that said associated tire bead rollers operativelyengage the vehicle wheel assembly.
 33. The improved vehicle wheelservice system of claim 32 wherein the central processing unit isfurther configured to alter an engagement of said tire bead rollers withsaid vehicle wheel assembly responsive to said distance informationindicative of the presence of a wheel assembly feature.
 34. The improvedvehicle wheel service system of 33 wherein said wheel assembly featureis a valve stem.
 35. The improved vehicle wheel service system of 33wherein said wheel assembly feature is an installed tire pressuresensor.
 36. An improved wheel parameter measurement apparatus for adynamic wheel balancer having a spindle shaft for mounting a vehiclewheel assembly consisting of at least a vehicle wheel rim for rotationthereon, the improvement comprising: an optical energy means where atleast a partial amount of said optical energy impinges an area of thewheel assembly on the spindle, an optical energy sensing means forproviding signals containing three dimensional data responsive thereto,and a means receiving said signals provided by said optical energysensing means for extracting data relating to at least one of saidfeatures of the mounted wheel assembly,
 37. The improved wheel parametermeasurement apparatus of claim 36 wherein said extracted data identifiesa feature location on the mounted wheel assembly.
 38. The improved wheelparameter measurement apparatus of claim 36 wherein said extracted dataidentifies a feature dimension on the mounted wheel assembly.
 39. Theimproved wheel parameter measurement apparatus of claim 36 wherein saidextracted data identifies a configuration of said at least one featureon the mounted wheel assembly.
 40. An improved vehicle wheel tirechanger system support for rotationally mounting a vehicle wheelassembly consisting of at least a vehicle wheel rim for rotationthereon, the improvement comprising: an optical energy means where atleast a partial amount of said optical energy impinges an area of thewheel assembly on the support, an optical energy sensing means forproviding signals containing three dimensional data responsive thereto,and a means receiving said signals provided by said optical energysensing means for extracting data relating to at least one of saidfeature of the mounted wheel assembly,
 41. The improved wheel parametermeasurement apparatus of claim 40 wherein said extracted data identifiesa feature location on the mounted wheel assembly.
 42. The improved wheelparameter measurement apparatus of claim 40 wherein said extracted dataidentifies a feature dimension on the mounted wheel assembly.
 43. Theimproved wheel parameter measurement apparatus of claim 40 wherein saidextracted data identifies a feature configuration on the mounted wheelassembly.
 44. A method for measuring one or more features of a vehiclewheel assembly consisting of at least a vehicle wheel rim where thevehicle wheel assembly is mounted for rotational movement about an axison a vehicle wheel service system comprising the steps of: providingoptical energy means where at least a partial amount of said opticalenergy impinges an area of the vehicle wheel assembly, detecting saidoptical energy reflected from said impinged area of the vehicle wheelassembly; generating a two-dimensional image of said detected opticalenergy, said two-dimensional image composed of a plurality of imagepixels and encoding three-dimensional data; processing said detectedoptical energy to extract dimensional data associated with said one ormore features of the vehicle wheel assembly.
 45. A method for selectingimbalance correction weight parameters in a vehicle wheel balancingsystem including an imaging sensor assembly configured to providedimensional data associated with features in a field of viewencompassing at least a portion of a vehicle wheel assembly undergoing avehicle wheel balancing procedure, comprising: providing, within thefield of view of the imaging sensor assembly, an indicator at anlocation on a vehicle wheel rim of the vehicle wheel assembly at whichat least one imbalance correction weight is to be placed; acquiring atleast one image of said indicator with said imaging sensor assembly;identifying said location on said vehicle wheel rim from said positionof said indicator within said at least one image; calculating one ormore imbalance correction weight parameters corresponding to at leastone imbalance correction weight disposed in an imbalance weightcorrection plane at said identified location.
 46. A method for selectingimbalance correction weight parameters in a vehicle wheel balancingsystem including an imaging sensor assembly configured to providedimensional data associated with features in a field of viewencompassing at least a portion of a vehicle wheel assembly undergoing avehicle wheel balancing procedure, comprising: providing, within thefield of view of the imaging sensor assembly, an indicator at anlocation on a vehicle wheel rim of the vehicle wheel assembly at whichat least one imbalance correction weight is to be placed; acquiring atleast one image of said indicator with said imaging sensor assembly;providing a representation of said indicator relative to at least oneimbalance correction weight placement location.